Ten 17th- and 18th-century houses have been folded into this hotel on the Herengracht near the Spui square. Friday's book market on the square might explain the Ambassade's popularity with book-world people: Doris Lessing, John Le Carré, Umberto Eco, and Salman Rushdie are regulars, and novelist Howard Norman set part of his book The Museum Guard here. Two lounges -- one of which functions as breakfast room -- and a library are elegantly decorated with Oriental rugs, chandeliers, clocks, paintings, and antiques. The canal-side rooms are spacious, with large floor-to-ceiling windows and solid, functional furniture. The rooms at the rear are quieter but smaller and darker; attic rooms have beamed ceilings. Service is attentive and friendly, and if by the smallest of chances you do end up getting out of sorts, you can always seek refuge in the flotation tanks. Pros: on a picturesque canal, hub for literati. Cons: slightly wayworn interiors, rooms at rear can be small and dark.
Posted by jholc from Cincinnati on 5/31/08
I stayed here a few years ago. The room they gave me was in the basement and felt like it. The furnishings looked like they came out of the sixties. The bathroom was of good size and the main parts of the hotel were very nice. I would stay at the Canal House next time I go to Amsterdam.
Posted by judy12 from Jerusalem on 7/26/07
Such nice help at the concierge. A bit noisy since the windows had to stay open but a great location and a great value. Rooms were very comfortable and clean.
Posted by Trisha1 from California on 3/8/07
Loved the atmosphere of this hotel, from the wonderful collection of books by writers who have stayed here to the delightful breakfasts served each day. Our room overlooked the Singel Canal on the top floor and we truly enjoyed having tea served in the afternoon. The staff was great and obtained a great car and driver for us to go north to visit Hoorn and Edam and the enclosing dike. A true home away from home.
Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip >>